Hav- ing submitted to an exorcism, the man entirely
recovered
his former state of health.
O'Hanlon - Lives of the Irish Saints - v5
For three weeks, she remained perfectly restored at Gheel, went to confession, and afterwards she received holy communion.
"^
The Very Rev. Herr Martin Doye, priest from the town of Athens, in the territory of Hannonia, declared on the faith of a priest, the 15th day of Sep- tember, 1659, that for about three months previous, he had not the use of mind, senses, or intelligence. Yet, through the riches of Divine bounty, and through the intercession of the holy virgin and patroness, St. Dympna, he had recovered his former reasoning powers and intellect. For two continuous months, he daily frequented the choir of St. Dympna, sang the Divine office there, and he had often confessed and partaken of holy communion. "9
Maria Lambrechts, an unmarried female, living in Dunken village, having had repeated attacks of madness, tore and spoiled her own garments, and in-
as witnesses, to the foregoing circumstances and established their credibility.
"5 In the province of North Brabant.
makers and his wife, Elizabeth Verhocvan, in whose house Barbara Mangelers lodged, Anna Vander Wyer, under whose care she remained nine days in the hospital, until she became convalescent, with other witnesses,
"* Dean Vercuylen, Adrian de Wocker,
her husband, John Peters, who brought her,
and two other witnesses, deposed solemnly certified to this cure by sworn deposi- to the foregoing cure.
"7 This case was known to many persons, and in testimony, Cornelius Andries, Dean Vercuylen, and two others, signed their names to a deposition.
tions.
"' In faith of all which, the aforesaid
"^ This Barbara Mangelers, and her
mother, Barbara Stevens, who attended
during her daughter's aberration of mind,
testified and . suijscribed to the foregoing attested,
statement, before the notary. Francis Ray- "" For a confirmation of these circum-
Herr Martin Doye signed, before the Rev. Messrs. Peter van Dungen, Judocus Coenen and John Leysen, entertainer of the afore- said gentleman, for the time he remained, After these signatures, Thomas van Bylen, notary, who wrote this instrument in Latin,
348
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May 15.
jured whatever came in her way. Being tied hand and foot, she was brought to St. Dympna's infirmary, where, after the usual nine days' ceremonies, she recovered her health, confessed, and received holy communion. '^" In like manner, a youth, named Wilhelm Segers, of Puets village, was freed from asimilarinsanity,whenbroughttoGheel. Theusualexorcismswereprac- tised, and alter a madness of three or four months' duration, he recovered the former use of his reason. He also partook of the sacraments, by devoutly receiving penance and holy communion. '^'
James Haeghmans, thirty years old, of Bevera, in the province of Wasia, having been affected with a great frenzy and madness for some months, tore and soiled his shirts, garments and other things. Wherefore, he was bound with iron chains and brought to Gheel, in order to obtain relief, through the intercession of the patroness, St. Dympna. Then, after the accustomed cere- monies were performed, by the dean, Haeghmans' former health was restored, and he recovered tlie full possession of his intellect, memory, and senses, havinf^ received spiritual comfort and grace from approaching the sacraments of penance and of holy communion. '"
p^rancis van Binnenbeeck, born in the town of Lira, and twenty-five years of af^e, had an aberration of mind, which deprived him of memory anil intel- lect, for the term of eight months. He was brought to Gheel, in the month of June, A. D. 1663, and placed in the hospital of St. Dympna. After com- plying with the usual nine days' ceremonies, to obtain the intercession of that holy patroness, about the festival of St. John the Baptist's Nativity, he was removedtothehouseofWilhelmWuyts. Here,hewasboundwithchains of iron, and he continued in his insane state, to the month of January, a. d. 1664. At this date, however, he was perfectly restored to health, and he htcsimt cojtipos meiitis. '''^^
Catherine Henvelmans, a Bdghuine nun of Diest, and about twenty-eight years of age, having become insane, was brought to the house of Lambert van Dungen, at Gheel, on the 5th of October, 1664, by two other B^ghuines, named Anna van Gestel and Maria Shertogem. When this Beghuine nun entered the church occasionally, and assi'^ted at the holy sacrifice of Mass, and at other Divine offices, she so often disturbed those present with her in- sane actions, that the poor sufferer was no longer permitted to leave her lodf'ing. Having been placed in the hospital of St. Dympna, when the usual exorcisms were performed, she recovered her former state of quietude and her powers of intellect. "•
Clara Maes, a devout maiden lady of Antwerp, about forty-five years of age, became frantic and ungovernable. She was brought to Gheel, and placed in the hospital of St. Dympna, to obtain the patronage of this holy
stances, we find the signatures of Maiia Lambrechts, of her brother, and of Dean Vercuylen affixed to an instrument, bearing date June 6th, 1660.
"^ This he declared, and subscribed on oath, the 2ist of January, in the presence of the aforesaid Wilhehn Wuyts, Anna Van- der Wyer, matron of the hospital, two other witnesses, and Thomas van Bylen,
" On the 20th of . \pril, 1 661, he signed
an instrument, to wliich Dean Vercuyk-n notary.
and two others subscribed, in faith of the foregoing statements.
"' He subscribed a declaration to the foregoing effect, on the gtii of January, ad. 1662. The same deposition was attcstcil by Peter Van Ge>tel and by his wife, Beatrix vandcn Wouwer, in whose house at Ohccl Haeghmans had lodged, besides two other witnesses, with Thomas van Bylen, no- tary.
"• On the 13th of December, this Beg- huine nun, Catherine Henvelmans, testified and subscribed to the foregoing statements, m tiie presence of Dean Gasper Claes, who performed the ceremonies of exorcism. Jolni (Jodtussen, and Walter Ooms, canons; Lambert van Dungen and his wife. Anna Verdonck, in whose house she dwelt, and Thomas van Bylen, notary, were also pre- sent.
May 15. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
349
virgin. When the dean had performed his usual course of ceremonies, for eight days, the patient recovered her former good heaUli. '^s
Peter Praet, born at Moerbeck, and about thirty-five years of age, became so deHrious, that his friends were obliged to bind him with chains and cords. This man lodged at the house of Peter van Passel, and in the hospital of St. Dympna. Aftertheusualceremonieswerepractised,bythedean,Praetwas restored to his former state of health. When duly prepared, he received the holy sacraments. "^
A similar species of madness afflicted John van Scheurvvegen. He was a native of Deuren village, near Antwerp. On the last day of May, a. d, 1667, he was brought to Gheel, and placed in St. Dympna's infirmary. After the accustomed ceremonies had received a trial, on the thirteenth day from his arrival, this man recovered the perfect enjoyment of health, and every trace of insanity disappeared. "7
Again, Maria Magdalena Cecili,'^^ about thirty-four years of age, after nine days' exorcisms, and about ten or fourteen days subsequent to them, was delivered from a state of frenzy. She received the sacraments of penance and of holy communion with great devotion. '^9
Anna de Truch, a villager of Egher, was affected with a like aberration of mind and brain, and brought to the hospital of St, Dympna. There, the usual ceremonies, approved by the Pleban,'3° were practised for the term of nine days. After three months' time, all her insanity disappeared, and having been restored to a full exercise of her faculties, she often received the holy Eucharist with matured judgment's'
James Ramont, a native of Lokera village, about one-and-twenty years of age, had been attacked with a great delirium and insanity, for the continu- ance of a whole year, before he was bound with chains and cords, and brought to Gheel. He lodged in the house of a citizen, Peter van Passe), for more thantwomonths. RamontwasalsointhehospitalofSt. Uympna,wherethe ordinary ceremonies of exorcism were performed over him, by the dean, for a term of nine days. He was then restored to health, and fully exercising his faculties, he received permission to approach holy communion. '3^
The Bollandist editor Henschnius closes here his list of miraculous cures, and the depositions accompanying them, as found in the local ecclesiastical records of that city, which venerates our glorious saint as its special patroness.
'=5 After a lapse of three weeks, these facts were attested by her, on the 22nd of September, A. D. 1665, and signed with her own hand. Besides, there were present as witnesses, Walter Buyenas and Walter Ooms, canons, three other persons, and Marcellus, a notary.
'^* On the 26th of July, A. D. 1666, he made declaration to the foregoing effect, be- fore the notary Loovens. Peter van Passel, and his wife Adriana Franken, in whose house he lodged, besides two other witnesses affirmed. Praet's own name is also sub- scribed to this affirmation.
"7 This was attested, by the sign manual of John van Scheurwegen, Adriana Gerinx, otherwise Vrancxs, matron of the hospital, and other witnesses, besides the notary Loovens.
"^ " Thenensis innupta," is added to her name, in the Latin given by Hen- schenius.
'^^ She declared herself always ready to certify on oath, what she then deposed to and signed on the 3rd of August, a. d. 1667, in the presence of Gasper Claes and two other witnesses.
'^o " Plebanum vero maxima vocant in Ecclesiis Cathedralibus sen collegiatis canonicum, cui plebis earum jurisdictioni subditas cura committitur. Statuta Eccl. Argent. Ann. 1435, apud Marten. , torn. 4. Anecd. col. 532 : " Statuimus ut promissarii seu prtebendarii parochialium ecclesiarum suis Plebanis seu viceplebanis reverentiam
exhibeant. "—Du Gauge's " Glossarium Me- dias et infim^ Latinitatis,"«<^ voce, Plebes.
'^i
This her deposition, dated 30th of November, a. d. 1668, she declared herself always ready to repeat on oath. It is fur- ther confirmed, by the signatures of the notary Loovens and of three other wit- nesses.
^^^ A declaration, substantially agreeing
350
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May 15.
There can be no doubt, but this catalogue could be extended very considera- bly, by obtaining access to various sources and depositories of information, which must have multiplied in Holland, Belgium, France, and Germany, within the last two hundred years. However, the extraordinary cases, already described, and the wonderful cures performed, on behalf of so many afflicted persons, are subjects for devout reflection ; and, these sufticiently manifest the veneration of a grateful and religious people, throughout the wide extent of the Batavian provinces. Nor is the fame of our holy virgin and martyr con- fined within these limits, or solely referable to past cent«ries, among the Catholic populations of northern Europe.
Having recapitulated the foregoing miracles, obtained through the inter- cession of St. Dympna, from books preserved in her church at Gheel, Hen- schenius gives the following additional supernatural favours, attributed to her patronage, and which are rendered into Latin, from a book written by the Rev. Herr John Ludolph van Craywinckle. '^s
We find it stated, in the first place, that a certain stranger, from the Mosan district, was brought to the church of St. Dympna, at Gheel, on the 21st of June, A. D. 1 6 14. He was so perturbed in mind, by unclean spirits, as was believed,thathecouldscarcelybeheldorledbyfourmen. Heoftenbarked, in imitation of a dog. Having been admitted to St. Dympna's hospital, on the ninth day after the exorcisms had been commenced, and about the ninth hour of the morning, when he was preparing to receive a drink of ablution from the dean, this possessed man often cried out : " It is my last day, it is my last hour, I ought to leave, I ought to leave. " Then, with a great noise, his bandages breaking of their own accord, the possessed man was liberated, in presence of the dean, John Aerts, caretaker of the church, Maria and Anna vande Wyer, nurses of the hospital. In like manner, Anna Oyen, wife of John Lemmens, living in the territory of Diesthem, at a place called Cagge- vinne, near the village of Schaffen, had been suddenly attacked with insanity, in the year 1624. She was popularly supposed to have been possessed by an evil spirit ; and having been brought to St. Dympna's relics, at Gheel, where she was exorcised, that woman afterwards recovered a sane state of mind. '34
Henry van Brynen, a native of the village of Maerhese, in the district of Bois le Due, was seized with a great frenzy, when in the twenty-sixth year of his age, and during the month of February, a. d. 1619. Being bound hand and foot with iron chains, he was brought to Gheel, to obtain a release from hislunacy,throughtheprayersofSt. Dympna. Afteranexorcismofnine days, this person was restored to the right exercise of his mind, memory, and senses. '35
A certain young man, about thirty-five years old, constantly laboured under a troublesome kind of griping disease, which caused a contraction of
common counsellors of Caggevinne caused their seal to be affixed on a certificate, as a testimony of the truth of the foregoing state- ment, while tlieir secretary, Buycx, counter-
with the foregoing account, he signed on
the 20th of June, a. d. 1668. The notary
Loovens, and the witnesses Peter van
Passel, his wife, Adriana Franken, inwlidse
house Ramont had lodged, together with signed this instrument. John Ludolph van
three other persons, add confirmation of the foregoing particulars.
Craywinckel, with foregoing relations, ac- cording to their exact chronological order. We refer to the several dates of occurrence, in each instance.
Craywinckel had the original document in his possession.
'33 We have judged it more expedient, to follow the arrangement of Henschenius,
'^5 On the 9th of May, A. D. 1622, he signed a document, containing in substance rather than place the miiacles recorded by the foregoing declaration, before Arnold Bloom, dean of St. Dympna's Church, Jacob van Hove, and Walter ran de Wyer, com- mon counsellors ; John Wentelberchs, and Amandus Meus, sextons, besides the notary
'M On the nth of March, a. d 1628, the
Mars, were witnesses to the deed.
May 15. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 351
all his limbs. Having been exorcised, this young man ejected crooked pins, pieces of glass, fragments of silk, hairs, and various matters of a Hke nature. At length, he was healed of this malady, in the month of October, a. d. 1634. During the same year, on the 23rd of November, Anthony Vlemminx left St. Dympna's hospital perfectly cured, having been brought from a place, called Peraeo, whilst in a state of insanity. On the 31st of March, a. d. 1635, a similar favour was bestowed upon Matthew de Kempis, caretaker of Rump- stan church.
Andrew Wendrix, from Heystomons, submitted to be exorcised for nine days, and was cured of insanity, on the 5th of May, a. d. 1635. Afterwards, John de Voider, a villager of Schoonbroeck, came to Gheel, on the 9th of May, This man declared, that for eight or nine years previously, he had been bound with chains, which were required to restrain him, during the paroxysmsofhismadness. HavinglainintheinfirmaryofSt. Dympna,De Voiderperfectlyrecoveredhishealth. Acertainpiouswoman,sickformany years, tried various remedies, without obtaining any benefit from them, and atlengthshecametoGheel. Ontheeighthday,afterherarrival,whichfell on the 19th of May, a. d. 1636, she was quite restored. A certain Turnhout'36 woman, having complained for half a year, without getting much sleep, when in a state of great debihty, came to Gheel. After remaining there for three days, having vomited very nauseous matter, she soon afterwards recovered her health and returned home, in the month of March, a. d. 1637. After- wards, she was accustomed to take a journey each year, for the purpose of giving thanks to St. Dympna, on the festival day of this holy patroness. About the same time, a certain man, who lived at Hova of St. Laurence, near Antwerp, was tormented with an apparently confirmed insanity. His con- ductors were obliged to tie him against an oak tree, which grew before the Church of St. Dympna. The lunatic was then brought to her hospital, when after submitting to a course of exorcism during nine days, perfect health after- wards returned. An apothecary of Antwerp lost his reason ; when it was found necessary to have him tied on a litter, at Gheel. He tore whatever article happened to fall in his way. However, a little after Pentecost, a. d. 1639, he recovered from this insanity and returned to his home. About the same time, a certain widow, Avho came from Poel village to Gheel, remained there for a year in a frantic state. In like manner, Adriana Michiels went to Gheel from Lesser Brabant. After remaining six weeks, she was almost en- tirely restored, when taking her departure on the first day of January, a. d. 1640.
A certain nun of Louvain was wretchedly afflicted, and as it was generally supposed, by malignant spirits. On the 7th of October, a. d. 1636, she was admitted to the hospital of St. Dympna. Within a few days afterwards, she vomited several pins, buttons, and portions of hair, with clotted blood. Thenceforward, this nun grew better, although it could not be positively asserted, that she had become perfectly cured. A certain married man, and a citizen of Gheel, after a long continued illness, and a presumption of sor- cery having been practised on him, came to the church of St. Dympna.
Hav- ing submitted to an exorcism, the man entirely recovered his former state of health. After a lapse of nine or ten months, he fell into another species of disease, which, however, did not present such dangerous symptoms as the
former malady exhibited. '37
Adriana Peeters van Roosendael, who was hopelessly insane and afflicted
'3* A city within the province of Antwerp, '^^ The foregoing accounts are taken from Belgium. Craywinckcl's book.
352
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May 15.
with brain disease, lay in a sick ward for nine days. 'ss She was then dis- charged, entirely healed, and she became compos metitis. This woman also devoutly communicated, on the 30th of January, a. d. 1650. ^39 On the 31st of January, in the same year, Gisbert Gerts van Buel, after remaining for nine days, departed from the hospital of St. Dympna quite restored. On the 7th of June, A. D. 1 65 1, Michaelina Desse '"i" was attacked with an intolerable phrenesis^ and furious fits of excitement; yet, after a nine days' sojourn in St. Dympna's hospital, she was brought to the house of Adrian van Dael, and when three weeks had elapsed, she was perfectly restored to a sane state of mind. On the 20th of July, during the same year, one Joanna Wilboorts was brought in a deplorable condition of insanity, from Hierenbek to Gheel.
Her friends were obliged to secure the patient, by fastening the poor sufferer with ropes on a car. For seventeen days, she dwelt in the house of Wilhelm Huybs, and afterwards, she left it in the perfect enjoyment of her former health. Mencia Thys, a devout maiden, having been afflicted with insanity, on the 14th of October, a. d. 165 i, entered the hospital of St. Dympna at Gheel. ThisladyhadtakenherdeparturefromAntwerp,andwithinnine days after her arrival, she recovered the perfect use of reason. Having made a confession of her sins and received holy communion, this maiden lady re- turned in a composed state of mind to Antwerp, where she resided. ''
We are told, by Henschenius, that many other well known miracles, attri- buted to St. Dympna's intercession, in times of old, are not particularly described. But, during the seventeenth century, in which he wrote, this BoUandist editor was careful to note down accurately the depositions and signatures of various eye-witnesses, to serve as incontrovertible evidence of their occurrence, lest many, not in communion with the Catholic Church, might call their truth in question. These miracles are for the most part taken, from the church records of Gheel ; although, in fifteen instances,"'*^ the cases
of supernatural favours received are barely recorded. As the patience of his readers might be too severely taxed, by an unnecessary repetition or uninte- resting catalogue of names, Henschenius deemed it better, to suppress the signatures affixed to those several depositions.
It would seem, that from a very remote period, St. Dympna's intercession had been considered peculiarly effective, in those instances, where magic art or demoniac influence was supposed to exercise sway over miserable indivi- duals. '•^ This popular opinion may have originated, from the constancy and resolution manifested by this holy virgin and martyr, when assailed by diabo- lic temptations and surrounded by the powers of darkness. Her signal victories over trials and adversities were crowned by the brightest and most noble act of heroism, when the soil of Belgium was fertilized by the blood of this stainless and beautiful maiden. From the early days of her innocent childhood, to the end of that brief term which closed her youthful existence,
'^' Tlie present narrative, and those cases which immediately follow, were extracted by Henschenius, from the books belonging to Gheel church.
'39 To the statement contained in the text, Henschenius appends: "Quod attestor Canwcgom Decanos [Qui his verbis hcec Latiiie scripsit pagina 68. "]
'^° To this name is added, "ex Wavera Maria. " It probably means, that she came from Wavre, in the province of South Bra- bant,
'< See " Acta Sanctorum," tomus iii. , xv. Mali. Acta SS. Dympnae ct Gereberni, pp.
489 to 497.
^'^ " Quibus aliqua ex libro Craywinckel
adduntur. " See I'roemium, ibid. , p. 479. '^^ In the curious work of Martinus Delrio, intituled, " Disquisitionum Magicarum," Libri Sex, after relating that many possessed persons hatl been relieved by pilgrimage to the sepulchre of St. Philip the Apostle in Sicily, and that "anno 1541, plusquam du- cenlK faminx- huiusmodi fuerint numerate," the author adds, " idem cernimus in Bra- bantix Gela ad S. Dympnas sepulchrum,"
lib, vi. , cap. II, sect, iii. , pp. 522, 523.
May 15. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
353
she had learned how to oppose a passive but effective resistance to meditated wrongs ; by her prudence, patience, and firmness, she foiled the fiercest as- saultsofherwilyadversary. Mostappropriately,therefore,mighttheprayers of her devout clients be addressed to the holy patroness of Gheel, at mention of whose name, even demons believe and tremble. Having remembered her Creator in the days of youth, ''••* with her holy counsellor and guide, St. Gere- bern, our glorious virgin went through those wildernesses that, in the words of inspiration, were not inhabited. In desert places they pitched their tents they stood against their enemies, and avenged themselves on their adversa- ries. '45 Growing up in the desert, as a pillar of smoking aromatical spices, of myrrh, and of frankincense, '4^ the fugitive St. Dympna found her dwelling, and a covert from the face of her destroyer, until he had failed who trod the earth under foot. '47 Through the shadows ol death, our pure virgin passed triumphant, and from the mansions of eternal glory she now looks with radiant and benignant eyes on those, who humbly invoke her protection, and who labour to imitate her self-sacrificing virtues, bright example, holy life, and edifying conversation.
CHAPTER V.
LOCAL MEMORIALS OF ST. DYMPNA IN AND NEAR GHEEL—GENERAL CHARACTER AND DISPOSITION OF THE GHEELOIS—FOUNDATION OF THE GOVERNMENT HOSPITAL —USUAL MODE OF TREATING THE INSANE—INFLUENCES OF RELIGION ON THEIR STATE AND CONDITION—EXAMINATION OF THE SACRED RELICS IN 1847, BY THE CARDINAL-ARCHBISHOP OF MALINES—MEMORIALS AND FESTIVALS OF THE SAINT REFERENCE TO OUR SAINT IN THE CALENDARS—EMBLEMS OF ST. DYMPNA ON THE CONTINENT AND IN IRELAND—CONCLUSION.
Besides the collegiate church of St. Dympna, a chapel is dedicated to the patroness of Gheel, within the hospital or infirmary, and near the very place, whereitissupposedsheobtainedthecrownofmartyrdom. Anotherchapel was erected to her honour, in the middle of a plain. ' This stands on the spot, where the body of St. Dympna remained immovable, lest the people of Xanten might bear it away. Pious tradition has always preserved such recollections, amongst the devout inhabitants of Gheel. ^ In the circuit of country without this municipality, there are also other chapels dedicated to St. Dympna. 3 As will be seen in the notice of St. Gerebern and of Sonsbeck immediately succeeding, special honour was paid to that holy Virgin and Martyr, in the latter town, and in the old chapel dedicated to his memory.
The inhabitants of Gheel and of the country adjoining are distinguished by a simple, native honesty, and by an affectionate disposition, especially manifested, in their moral and charitable treatment of the afflicted persons
'44 Ecclesiastes, xii. , i.
'45 Wisdom, xi,, 23.
'4^ Canticle of Canticles, iii. , 6. '4'' See Isaias, xvi. , 4.
dolph van Craywinckel, cap. xiii.
3 The reader is referred to an interesting
article on " St. Dympna's City," published in successive Numbers of "The Lamp: an
Chapter v. —'
"Versus MoUum vici-
General num," is added by Henschenius. This Moll Literature," vol. iii. . New Series, No. 70,
is a small river passing near Gheel.
^ The foregoing accounts are taken from the Life of St. Dympna, by Herr John Lu-
pp. 273 to 276, and No. 71, pp. 301 to
303.
-• That very interesting work, by the
illustrated Catholic Journal of
—;
354
authoress, Mfs. Byrne, of "Flemish Interiors," and intituled " Gheel: the city of the Sim- pie," gives a veiy interesting account of the treatment of insane persons in that remark- able colony. It was published by Chapman and Hall, London, crown 8vo, 1869.
condition of various individuals, could only be understood, by a personal inspection, and by such an explanation, as the intelligent officials can best furnish. The writer was informed, that restraint is rarely resorted to, and is considered undesirable, except in rare instances. The number of inmates was not very considerable, in proportion to the in- sane persons living within Gheel district and, from information received, those pa- tients were for the most part affected with chronic diseases, or some peculiar mono- mania, which requited special care and trent- ment. On leaving tiiis establishment, the resident director presented the writer with a copy of a pamphlet entitled, " Reglenient d'ordreinterieurdel'etablissement d'alienes a Gheel," printed at Ghent in 1853, before the infirmary had been founded. This tract lays down the rules and regulations to be ob- served with regard to the insane ; and, these prescriptions are yet' followed, in agreat mca-
5 One of the most interesting visits the in-
quisitive stranger could make, on his arrival
at Gheel, must be to form an acquaintance
with the newly established government hos-
pital. The celebrated medical inspector,
Dr. Bulckens, happened to be absent, at the
time when this opportunity v as aftbrded the
writer ; but, the resident director, Mons.
Verelst, Secreiaire-recevcur de la Commis-
sion Superieure, afforded an amount of in-
teresting information, by illustrating the
advantages of this improved system, on va-
rious insane subjects, while passing through
the various departments of this splendid
establishment. The most interesting and
difficult cases for treatment are usually found
lodged within this hospital. Its opening sure, although doubtless, subject to certain took place on the 15th of March, 1862. The modifications, since the government hospital tact, patience and judgment required, in has been erected. M. Verelst also furnished order to effect improvement in the mental a copy of the larger tract, written by M. le
;
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May 15.
living among them. In this respect, they differ very much from persons belonging to other towns and districts, who are apt to have a prejudice or aversion for acting the part of assiduous guardians, towards those mentally affected. It would seem, that the excellent tendencies, good feeling, and intelligence, reigning amongst the Gheelois, may be considered as hereditary qualities, constantly transmitted from parents to children, and acquiring a still higher degree of perfection, in the latest generations. A pleasant but hardly truthful irony attributes to the people of Gheel originality of character, which is said to be derived from their contact with those unfortunate crea- tures, committed to their benevolent regards. So well known and appreciated throughout Belgium is the curative treatment here adopted, that when any- thing particularly absurd is said or done, the delinquent is jocosely pro- nounced to be a fit subject for Gheel. '* These observations, however, are accepted as furnishing rather creditable testimony, to the providential mis- sion and moral state of the amiable and benevolent habitans. Far from being enervated, through the morbid influences observed amongst a section of their community, the general population is found to be physically and constitu- tionally vigorous, intelligent, and religious, preserving a moral conscience and reason, in just balance, with a temperament naturally disposed for the delicate, considerate, cheerful, and patient offices of nurses and infirmarians, towards the poor alienes.
General interest and investigations awakened in regard to the affairs of this singular colony, which has been here established from time immemorial, induced the Belgium government to erect an infirmary, which receives a sub- vention from the public funds. A royal degree, dated the 19th of November, 1858, approved this project, which was hailed with satisfaction by all, who comprehended its importance.
A magnificent Hospital was soon afterwards commenced, and built on a suitable piece of ground, in the immediate environs of Ghee). This building is not only a most useful adjunct to the existing religious establishments of Gheel, but it is highly ornamental to the city, in an architectural point of view. 5 All the conveniencies, and even all the luxuries, that could be devised
May 15. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
355
for the alleviation or cure of mental diseases, have been provided in this fine edifice, which both exteriorly and interiorly exhibits a model of neatness, order, comfort, and elegance. Its plan and arrangement must have demanded an amount of care, experience, study, and specific knowledge, rarely combined, even under the most favourable auspices. A sort of tutelary and scientific intervention, justly estimated by the sane inhabitants and their less fortunate
proteges, has introduced necessary reforms and afforded accessible medical succour, in cases requiring special treatment and observation. A talented and benevolent staff of medical men, of inspectors, and of nurses, having been organized, scientific advice and practice served to add increased stability to the existence of this ancient colony, while preserving its original and indige- nous character.
A work has been published at Paris in i860, and which is entitled, " Gheel ou une Colonic d'alidn^s vivant en famille et en liberty, etude sur le meilleur mode d'assistance et de traitement dans les maladies mentales,'' par M. Jules Duval . ^ In different sections of this work, its author describes the adjoining country, city and church of Gheel; as also the condition of demented persons, within their hospital, and the population of this place. He enters into a dis- sertation, on the physical and social circumstances, that attend the local treat- ment of these insane persons. He records the results of this system, and also fully describes the curative, administrative and economical organization of the medical and municipal establishments. The present and past state of Gheel is described. In conclusion, the author remarks, that the colony of insane at Gheel teaches to every humane heart a lesson, truly eloquent in its simpli- city, of tender devotion towards those persons most claiming the exercise of charitable sympathy. It illustrates most perfectly, he remarks, the necessity for charity advancing and completing the researches ofscience. 7 Another book, bearing a title and embracing topics somewhat similar to those in the French work just alluded to, written by A. C. Van der Cruyssen, was pub- lished at Ghent, in 1862. ^ It gives a very interesting account of the city of St. Dympna, and of the afflicted residents within this commune.
Dr. Bulckens, medecin-inspecteur, having ber admitted during each of those years ; the for its title, " Rapport sur I'etablissement total number present and entered ; the num-
d'alienesde Gheel," and printed at Brussels,
in 1861. The latter report was prepared for
the Minister of Justice, in obedience to regu-
lations and instructions, which are observed
and required to be put in execution, at stated those healed. Fifthly, those who died,
intervals. It is filled with interesting and
correct returns from the registers, and from
notes, preserved within this institution, while
it gives in addition some valuable informa- nurses. Tenthly, accidents. Eleventhly,
lion, in reference to the infirmary, and to the peculiar classes, for whose benefit it has been founded, This treatise merits a careful study from the Christian philanthropist, and from the enlightened physician, whose avo- cations are specially directed to the treat- ment of mental disorders.
general remarks on insanity in Belgium. He treats on the Infirmary at Gheel, and on a distribution of rewards to the nurses. He also gives its rules : the first special rule of May ist, 1851 ; the second rule, referring to interior order, 31st December, 1852, with instructions regarding the proper method for
« Published by Guillaumin et €'«• Li- treating the insane. An inquiry is then m-
braires, 14, Rue de Richelieu, l2mo.
7 In an Appendix, a very numerous list of books and publications, that treat on the es- tablishment at Gheel, is given. He also
stituted, as to whether Gheel is an establish- ment or a colony for the insane. The writer concludes, by calling Gheel, what he ex- presses in the title of his book, deeming it a
presents Statistical documents on Gheel, colony, but only in the sense, that the which contain: First, the number of afflicted live «i /«/«///£, and in a state of per- patients there, on the ist of January, in the feet liberty,
years 1856, 1857, 1858, 1859, with the num-
^ By Eug. Vanderhaeghen.
ber discharged and remaining on the 31st December, during the foregoing period, Secondly, a detail of admissions. Thirdly, details of discharged persons. Fourthly,
Sixthly, classification of the afflicted. Seven- thly, details of their occupations. Eighthly, details of necessary coercion. Ninthly, the
356
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May 15.
When demented persons arrive at Gheel, they are usually conducted to a house, attached to the church of St. Dympna, where an ecclesiastic offers up prayers for them and affords religious consolation. Afterwards, these afflicted persons are quartered among the inhabitants, and they are especially placed with the farming classes around that city. Although the pension for their maintenance is usually very moderate, yet this class of lodgers is eagerly sought for, by cultivators of land, who take particular care of their proteges,, andwhostudythepeculiardevelopmentoftheirmentalaberrations. 9 Hence, it often happens, that by gentleness, by coaxing or by caressing, the most
ungovernable persons are rendered docile, in a short time, and these live perfectly contented with their protectors. Occasionally, a visitor to Gheel may observe groups of afflicted persons engaged in earnest conversation or innocent recreation in the streets, while shrill voices echo from the interior of the houses when passing ; but, it is not always easy for a casual observer, to distinguish by their demeanour, between the sane and the insane inha- bitants of St. Dympna's city. The latter class appears to enjoy unre- strained liberty, in going on messages, or while performing the ordinary avocations of labour. Hardly any farmer is without one or more of those insane persons, who live with him, and on the same footing, as other mem- bers of his family. They seldom give way to violence or to excess. They appear satisfied with their food, plain dress, and manner of living, they show no aversion to rural or handicraft labour, and seldom do they desire to leave those families, with whom they have lived for a number of years. The various towns, cities and districts, from which they have been sent, usually engage agents to look after their comforts, and report upon the treatment ex- perienced from their hosts. Many of the people, in and aLout Gheel, believe that a blessing falls on themselves and on their families, when they conscien- tiously discharge Christian duties towards the insane ; so that, few causes of
complaint arise, on the score of neglecting duty or through personal injury. So far does a healthy public opinion prevail, on this point, that a farmer, who should fail in his obligations towards one of those afflicted persons, would immediately be deprived of his right of guardianship. His character should also suffer to such a degree, in the estimation of all his neighbours, that no greater punishment could be inflicted upon him, than the general contempt
^°
and detestation, with which he should afterwards be regarded.
In order to encourage emulation among the keepers and nurses, having charge of the insane, suitable honorary and pecuniary recompenses have been distributed, since the year 1858. These diplomas or certificates of honour are received with lively satisfaction. They are usually framed with much taste, and hung up in a conspicuous position, within the houses of their recipients,
while such testimonials are catefully preserved by the inhabitants.
Among the good effects, resulting from this foundation of a government hospital, the providing of suitable and airy chambers for the sick, must not be overlooked. Various hygeian measures and contrivances are resorted to, which have greatly improved their food and drink, their mode of exercise and of sleeping; all of which tend to produce cleanliness, with health of mind and ofbody. Thosepatients,lodgingamongprivatefamilies,receivemedicaladvice and treatment, and generally without disturbing those family relations, found to be productive of such beneficial consequences. On the arrival of insane persons at the infirmary in Gh. eel, their natural character and dispositions, the tendency of their malady, the prolDabilities of cure, wi th the peculiar moral, hygeian and 9 See Rev. S. IJ. iring-Gould's " Lives of cine," New vSeries, No. v. , vi. , M. Trch and
the iSaints," vol.
The Very Rev. Herr Martin Doye, priest from the town of Athens, in the territory of Hannonia, declared on the faith of a priest, the 15th day of Sep- tember, 1659, that for about three months previous, he had not the use of mind, senses, or intelligence. Yet, through the riches of Divine bounty, and through the intercession of the holy virgin and patroness, St. Dympna, he had recovered his former reasoning powers and intellect. For two continuous months, he daily frequented the choir of St. Dympna, sang the Divine office there, and he had often confessed and partaken of holy communion. "9
Maria Lambrechts, an unmarried female, living in Dunken village, having had repeated attacks of madness, tore and spoiled her own garments, and in-
as witnesses, to the foregoing circumstances and established their credibility.
"5 In the province of North Brabant.
makers and his wife, Elizabeth Verhocvan, in whose house Barbara Mangelers lodged, Anna Vander Wyer, under whose care she remained nine days in the hospital, until she became convalescent, with other witnesses,
"* Dean Vercuylen, Adrian de Wocker,
her husband, John Peters, who brought her,
and two other witnesses, deposed solemnly certified to this cure by sworn deposi- to the foregoing cure.
"7 This case was known to many persons, and in testimony, Cornelius Andries, Dean Vercuylen, and two others, signed their names to a deposition.
tions.
"' In faith of all which, the aforesaid
"^ This Barbara Mangelers, and her
mother, Barbara Stevens, who attended
during her daughter's aberration of mind,
testified and . suijscribed to the foregoing attested,
statement, before the notary. Francis Ray- "" For a confirmation of these circum-
Herr Martin Doye signed, before the Rev. Messrs. Peter van Dungen, Judocus Coenen and John Leysen, entertainer of the afore- said gentleman, for the time he remained, After these signatures, Thomas van Bylen, notary, who wrote this instrument in Latin,
348
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May 15.
jured whatever came in her way. Being tied hand and foot, she was brought to St. Dympna's infirmary, where, after the usual nine days' ceremonies, she recovered her health, confessed, and received holy communion. '^" In like manner, a youth, named Wilhelm Segers, of Puets village, was freed from asimilarinsanity,whenbroughttoGheel. Theusualexorcismswereprac- tised, and alter a madness of three or four months' duration, he recovered the former use of his reason. He also partook of the sacraments, by devoutly receiving penance and holy communion. '^'
James Haeghmans, thirty years old, of Bevera, in the province of Wasia, having been affected with a great frenzy and madness for some months, tore and soiled his shirts, garments and other things. Wherefore, he was bound with iron chains and brought to Gheel, in order to obtain relief, through the intercession of the patroness, St. Dympna. Then, after the accustomed cere- monies were performed, by the dean, Haeghmans' former health was restored, and he recovered tlie full possession of his intellect, memory, and senses, havinf^ received spiritual comfort and grace from approaching the sacraments of penance and of holy communion. '"
p^rancis van Binnenbeeck, born in the town of Lira, and twenty-five years of af^e, had an aberration of mind, which deprived him of memory anil intel- lect, for the term of eight months. He was brought to Gheel, in the month of June, A. D. 1663, and placed in the hospital of St. Dympna. After com- plying with the usual nine days' ceremonies, to obtain the intercession of that holy patroness, about the festival of St. John the Baptist's Nativity, he was removedtothehouseofWilhelmWuyts. Here,hewasboundwithchains of iron, and he continued in his insane state, to the month of January, a. d. 1664. At this date, however, he was perfectly restored to health, and he htcsimt cojtipos meiitis. '''^^
Catherine Henvelmans, a Bdghuine nun of Diest, and about twenty-eight years of age, having become insane, was brought to the house of Lambert van Dungen, at Gheel, on the 5th of October, 1664, by two other B^ghuines, named Anna van Gestel and Maria Shertogem. When this Beghuine nun entered the church occasionally, and assi'^ted at the holy sacrifice of Mass, and at other Divine offices, she so often disturbed those present with her in- sane actions, that the poor sufferer was no longer permitted to leave her lodf'ing. Having been placed in the hospital of St. Dympna, when the usual exorcisms were performed, she recovered her former state of quietude and her powers of intellect. "•
Clara Maes, a devout maiden lady of Antwerp, about forty-five years of age, became frantic and ungovernable. She was brought to Gheel, and placed in the hospital of St. Dympna, to obtain the patronage of this holy
stances, we find the signatures of Maiia Lambrechts, of her brother, and of Dean Vercuylen affixed to an instrument, bearing date June 6th, 1660.
"^ This he declared, and subscribed on oath, the 2ist of January, in the presence of the aforesaid Wilhehn Wuyts, Anna Van- der Wyer, matron of the hospital, two other witnesses, and Thomas van Bylen,
" On the 20th of . \pril, 1 661, he signed
an instrument, to wliich Dean Vercuyk-n notary.
and two others subscribed, in faith of the foregoing statements.
"' He subscribed a declaration to the foregoing effect, on the gtii of January, ad. 1662. The same deposition was attcstcil by Peter Van Ge>tel and by his wife, Beatrix vandcn Wouwer, in whose house at Ohccl Haeghmans had lodged, besides two other witnesses, with Thomas van Bylen, no- tary.
"• On the 13th of December, this Beg- huine nun, Catherine Henvelmans, testified and subscribed to the foregoing statements, m tiie presence of Dean Gasper Claes, who performed the ceremonies of exorcism. Jolni (Jodtussen, and Walter Ooms, canons; Lambert van Dungen and his wife. Anna Verdonck, in whose house she dwelt, and Thomas van Bylen, notary, were also pre- sent.
May 15. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
349
virgin. When the dean had performed his usual course of ceremonies, for eight days, the patient recovered her former good heaUli. '^s
Peter Praet, born at Moerbeck, and about thirty-five years of age, became so deHrious, that his friends were obliged to bind him with chains and cords. This man lodged at the house of Peter van Passel, and in the hospital of St. Dympna. Aftertheusualceremonieswerepractised,bythedean,Praetwas restored to his former state of health. When duly prepared, he received the holy sacraments. "^
A similar species of madness afflicted John van Scheurvvegen. He was a native of Deuren village, near Antwerp. On the last day of May, a. d, 1667, he was brought to Gheel, and placed in St. Dympna's infirmary. After the accustomed ceremonies had received a trial, on the thirteenth day from his arrival, this man recovered the perfect enjoyment of health, and every trace of insanity disappeared. "7
Again, Maria Magdalena Cecili,'^^ about thirty-four years of age, after nine days' exorcisms, and about ten or fourteen days subsequent to them, was delivered from a state of frenzy. She received the sacraments of penance and of holy communion with great devotion. '^9
Anna de Truch, a villager of Egher, was affected with a like aberration of mind and brain, and brought to the hospital of St, Dympna. There, the usual ceremonies, approved by the Pleban,'3° were practised for the term of nine days. After three months' time, all her insanity disappeared, and having been restored to a full exercise of her faculties, she often received the holy Eucharist with matured judgment's'
James Ramont, a native of Lokera village, about one-and-twenty years of age, had been attacked with a great delirium and insanity, for the continu- ance of a whole year, before he was bound with chains and cords, and brought to Gheel. He lodged in the house of a citizen, Peter van Passe), for more thantwomonths. RamontwasalsointhehospitalofSt. Uympna,wherethe ordinary ceremonies of exorcism were performed over him, by the dean, for a term of nine days. He was then restored to health, and fully exercising his faculties, he received permission to approach holy communion. '3^
The Bollandist editor Henschnius closes here his list of miraculous cures, and the depositions accompanying them, as found in the local ecclesiastical records of that city, which venerates our glorious saint as its special patroness.
'=5 After a lapse of three weeks, these facts were attested by her, on the 22nd of September, A. D. 1665, and signed with her own hand. Besides, there were present as witnesses, Walter Buyenas and Walter Ooms, canons, three other persons, and Marcellus, a notary.
'^* On the 26th of July, A. D. 1666, he made declaration to the foregoing effect, be- fore the notary Loovens. Peter van Passel, and his wife Adriana Franken, in whose house he lodged, besides two other witnesses affirmed. Praet's own name is also sub- scribed to this affirmation.
"7 This was attested, by the sign manual of John van Scheurwegen, Adriana Gerinx, otherwise Vrancxs, matron of the hospital, and other witnesses, besides the notary Loovens.
"^ " Thenensis innupta," is added to her name, in the Latin given by Hen- schenius.
'^^ She declared herself always ready to certify on oath, what she then deposed to and signed on the 3rd of August, a. d. 1667, in the presence of Gasper Claes and two other witnesses.
'^o " Plebanum vero maxima vocant in Ecclesiis Cathedralibus sen collegiatis canonicum, cui plebis earum jurisdictioni subditas cura committitur. Statuta Eccl. Argent. Ann. 1435, apud Marten. , torn. 4. Anecd. col. 532 : " Statuimus ut promissarii seu prtebendarii parochialium ecclesiarum suis Plebanis seu viceplebanis reverentiam
exhibeant. "—Du Gauge's " Glossarium Me- dias et infim^ Latinitatis,"«<^ voce, Plebes.
'^i
This her deposition, dated 30th of November, a. d. 1668, she declared herself always ready to repeat on oath. It is fur- ther confirmed, by the signatures of the notary Loovens and of three other wit- nesses.
^^^ A declaration, substantially agreeing
350
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May 15.
There can be no doubt, but this catalogue could be extended very considera- bly, by obtaining access to various sources and depositories of information, which must have multiplied in Holland, Belgium, France, and Germany, within the last two hundred years. However, the extraordinary cases, already described, and the wonderful cures performed, on behalf of so many afflicted persons, are subjects for devout reflection ; and, these sufticiently manifest the veneration of a grateful and religious people, throughout the wide extent of the Batavian provinces. Nor is the fame of our holy virgin and martyr con- fined within these limits, or solely referable to past cent«ries, among the Catholic populations of northern Europe.
Having recapitulated the foregoing miracles, obtained through the inter- cession of St. Dympna, from books preserved in her church at Gheel, Hen- schenius gives the following additional supernatural favours, attributed to her patronage, and which are rendered into Latin, from a book written by the Rev. Herr John Ludolph van Craywinckle. '^s
We find it stated, in the first place, that a certain stranger, from the Mosan district, was brought to the church of St. Dympna, at Gheel, on the 21st of June, A. D. 1 6 14. He was so perturbed in mind, by unclean spirits, as was believed,thathecouldscarcelybeheldorledbyfourmen. Heoftenbarked, in imitation of a dog. Having been admitted to St. Dympna's hospital, on the ninth day after the exorcisms had been commenced, and about the ninth hour of the morning, when he was preparing to receive a drink of ablution from the dean, this possessed man often cried out : " It is my last day, it is my last hour, I ought to leave, I ought to leave. " Then, with a great noise, his bandages breaking of their own accord, the possessed man was liberated, in presence of the dean, John Aerts, caretaker of the church, Maria and Anna vande Wyer, nurses of the hospital. In like manner, Anna Oyen, wife of John Lemmens, living in the territory of Diesthem, at a place called Cagge- vinne, near the village of Schaffen, had been suddenly attacked with insanity, in the year 1624. She was popularly supposed to have been possessed by an evil spirit ; and having been brought to St. Dympna's relics, at Gheel, where she was exorcised, that woman afterwards recovered a sane state of mind. '34
Henry van Brynen, a native of the village of Maerhese, in the district of Bois le Due, was seized with a great frenzy, when in the twenty-sixth year of his age, and during the month of February, a. d. 1619. Being bound hand and foot with iron chains, he was brought to Gheel, to obtain a release from hislunacy,throughtheprayersofSt. Dympna. Afteranexorcismofnine days, this person was restored to the right exercise of his mind, memory, and senses. '35
A certain young man, about thirty-five years old, constantly laboured under a troublesome kind of griping disease, which caused a contraction of
common counsellors of Caggevinne caused their seal to be affixed on a certificate, as a testimony of the truth of the foregoing state- ment, while tlieir secretary, Buycx, counter-
with the foregoing account, he signed on
the 20th of June, a. d. 1668. The notary
Loovens, and the witnesses Peter van
Passel, his wife, Adriana Franken, inwlidse
house Ramont had lodged, together with signed this instrument. John Ludolph van
three other persons, add confirmation of the foregoing particulars.
Craywinckel, with foregoing relations, ac- cording to their exact chronological order. We refer to the several dates of occurrence, in each instance.
Craywinckel had the original document in his possession.
'33 We have judged it more expedient, to follow the arrangement of Henschenius,
'^5 On the 9th of May, A. D. 1622, he signed a document, containing in substance rather than place the miiacles recorded by the foregoing declaration, before Arnold Bloom, dean of St. Dympna's Church, Jacob van Hove, and Walter ran de Wyer, com- mon counsellors ; John Wentelberchs, and Amandus Meus, sextons, besides the notary
'M On the nth of March, a. d 1628, the
Mars, were witnesses to the deed.
May 15. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 351
all his limbs. Having been exorcised, this young man ejected crooked pins, pieces of glass, fragments of silk, hairs, and various matters of a Hke nature. At length, he was healed of this malady, in the month of October, a. d. 1634. During the same year, on the 23rd of November, Anthony Vlemminx left St. Dympna's hospital perfectly cured, having been brought from a place, called Peraeo, whilst in a state of insanity. On the 31st of March, a. d. 1635, a similar favour was bestowed upon Matthew de Kempis, caretaker of Rump- stan church.
Andrew Wendrix, from Heystomons, submitted to be exorcised for nine days, and was cured of insanity, on the 5th of May, a. d. 1635. Afterwards, John de Voider, a villager of Schoonbroeck, came to Gheel, on the 9th of May, This man declared, that for eight or nine years previously, he had been bound with chains, which were required to restrain him, during the paroxysmsofhismadness. HavinglainintheinfirmaryofSt. Dympna,De Voiderperfectlyrecoveredhishealth. Acertainpiouswoman,sickformany years, tried various remedies, without obtaining any benefit from them, and atlengthshecametoGheel. Ontheeighthday,afterherarrival,whichfell on the 19th of May, a. d. 1636, she was quite restored. A certain Turnhout'36 woman, having complained for half a year, without getting much sleep, when in a state of great debihty, came to Gheel. After remaining there for three days, having vomited very nauseous matter, she soon afterwards recovered her health and returned home, in the month of March, a. d. 1637. After- wards, she was accustomed to take a journey each year, for the purpose of giving thanks to St. Dympna, on the festival day of this holy patroness. About the same time, a certain man, who lived at Hova of St. Laurence, near Antwerp, was tormented with an apparently confirmed insanity. His con- ductors were obliged to tie him against an oak tree, which grew before the Church of St. Dympna. The lunatic was then brought to her hospital, when after submitting to a course of exorcism during nine days, perfect health after- wards returned. An apothecary of Antwerp lost his reason ; when it was found necessary to have him tied on a litter, at Gheel. He tore whatever article happened to fall in his way. However, a little after Pentecost, a. d. 1639, he recovered from this insanity and returned to his home. About the same time, a certain widow, Avho came from Poel village to Gheel, remained there for a year in a frantic state. In like manner, Adriana Michiels went to Gheel from Lesser Brabant. After remaining six weeks, she was almost en- tirely restored, when taking her departure on the first day of January, a. d. 1640.
A certain nun of Louvain was wretchedly afflicted, and as it was generally supposed, by malignant spirits. On the 7th of October, a. d. 1636, she was admitted to the hospital of St. Dympna. Within a few days afterwards, she vomited several pins, buttons, and portions of hair, with clotted blood. Thenceforward, this nun grew better, although it could not be positively asserted, that she had become perfectly cured. A certain married man, and a citizen of Gheel, after a long continued illness, and a presumption of sor- cery having been practised on him, came to the church of St. Dympna.
Hav- ing submitted to an exorcism, the man entirely recovered his former state of health. After a lapse of nine or ten months, he fell into another species of disease, which, however, did not present such dangerous symptoms as the
former malady exhibited. '37
Adriana Peeters van Roosendael, who was hopelessly insane and afflicted
'3* A city within the province of Antwerp, '^^ The foregoing accounts are taken from Belgium. Craywinckcl's book.
352
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May 15.
with brain disease, lay in a sick ward for nine days. 'ss She was then dis- charged, entirely healed, and she became compos metitis. This woman also devoutly communicated, on the 30th of January, a. d. 1650. ^39 On the 31st of January, in the same year, Gisbert Gerts van Buel, after remaining for nine days, departed from the hospital of St. Dympna quite restored. On the 7th of June, A. D. 1 65 1, Michaelina Desse '"i" was attacked with an intolerable phrenesis^ and furious fits of excitement; yet, after a nine days' sojourn in St. Dympna's hospital, she was brought to the house of Adrian van Dael, and when three weeks had elapsed, she was perfectly restored to a sane state of mind. On the 20th of July, during the same year, one Joanna Wilboorts was brought in a deplorable condition of insanity, from Hierenbek to Gheel.
Her friends were obliged to secure the patient, by fastening the poor sufferer with ropes on a car. For seventeen days, she dwelt in the house of Wilhelm Huybs, and afterwards, she left it in the perfect enjoyment of her former health. Mencia Thys, a devout maiden, having been afflicted with insanity, on the 14th of October, a. d. 165 i, entered the hospital of St. Dympna at Gheel. ThisladyhadtakenherdeparturefromAntwerp,andwithinnine days after her arrival, she recovered the perfect use of reason. Having made a confession of her sins and received holy communion, this maiden lady re- turned in a composed state of mind to Antwerp, where she resided. ''
We are told, by Henschenius, that many other well known miracles, attri- buted to St. Dympna's intercession, in times of old, are not particularly described. But, during the seventeenth century, in which he wrote, this BoUandist editor was careful to note down accurately the depositions and signatures of various eye-witnesses, to serve as incontrovertible evidence of their occurrence, lest many, not in communion with the Catholic Church, might call their truth in question. These miracles are for the most part taken, from the church records of Gheel ; although, in fifteen instances,"'*^ the cases
of supernatural favours received are barely recorded. As the patience of his readers might be too severely taxed, by an unnecessary repetition or uninte- resting catalogue of names, Henschenius deemed it better, to suppress the signatures affixed to those several depositions.
It would seem, that from a very remote period, St. Dympna's intercession had been considered peculiarly effective, in those instances, where magic art or demoniac influence was supposed to exercise sway over miserable indivi- duals. '•^ This popular opinion may have originated, from the constancy and resolution manifested by this holy virgin and martyr, when assailed by diabo- lic temptations and surrounded by the powers of darkness. Her signal victories over trials and adversities were crowned by the brightest and most noble act of heroism, when the soil of Belgium was fertilized by the blood of this stainless and beautiful maiden. From the early days of her innocent childhood, to the end of that brief term which closed her youthful existence,
'^' Tlie present narrative, and those cases which immediately follow, were extracted by Henschenius, from the books belonging to Gheel church.
'39 To the statement contained in the text, Henschenius appends: "Quod attestor Canwcgom Decanos [Qui his verbis hcec Latiiie scripsit pagina 68. "]
'^° To this name is added, "ex Wavera Maria. " It probably means, that she came from Wavre, in the province of South Bra- bant,
'< See " Acta Sanctorum," tomus iii. , xv. Mali. Acta SS. Dympnae ct Gereberni, pp.
489 to 497.
^'^ " Quibus aliqua ex libro Craywinckel
adduntur. " See I'roemium, ibid. , p. 479. '^^ In the curious work of Martinus Delrio, intituled, " Disquisitionum Magicarum," Libri Sex, after relating that many possessed persons hatl been relieved by pilgrimage to the sepulchre of St. Philip the Apostle in Sicily, and that "anno 1541, plusquam du- cenlK faminx- huiusmodi fuerint numerate," the author adds, " idem cernimus in Bra- bantix Gela ad S. Dympnas sepulchrum,"
lib, vi. , cap. II, sect, iii. , pp. 522, 523.
May 15. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
353
she had learned how to oppose a passive but effective resistance to meditated wrongs ; by her prudence, patience, and firmness, she foiled the fiercest as- saultsofherwilyadversary. Mostappropriately,therefore,mighttheprayers of her devout clients be addressed to the holy patroness of Gheel, at mention of whose name, even demons believe and tremble. Having remembered her Creator in the days of youth, ''••* with her holy counsellor and guide, St. Gere- bern, our glorious virgin went through those wildernesses that, in the words of inspiration, were not inhabited. In desert places they pitched their tents they stood against their enemies, and avenged themselves on their adversa- ries. '45 Growing up in the desert, as a pillar of smoking aromatical spices, of myrrh, and of frankincense, '4^ the fugitive St. Dympna found her dwelling, and a covert from the face of her destroyer, until he had failed who trod the earth under foot. '47 Through the shadows ol death, our pure virgin passed triumphant, and from the mansions of eternal glory she now looks with radiant and benignant eyes on those, who humbly invoke her protection, and who labour to imitate her self-sacrificing virtues, bright example, holy life, and edifying conversation.
CHAPTER V.
LOCAL MEMORIALS OF ST. DYMPNA IN AND NEAR GHEEL—GENERAL CHARACTER AND DISPOSITION OF THE GHEELOIS—FOUNDATION OF THE GOVERNMENT HOSPITAL —USUAL MODE OF TREATING THE INSANE—INFLUENCES OF RELIGION ON THEIR STATE AND CONDITION—EXAMINATION OF THE SACRED RELICS IN 1847, BY THE CARDINAL-ARCHBISHOP OF MALINES—MEMORIALS AND FESTIVALS OF THE SAINT REFERENCE TO OUR SAINT IN THE CALENDARS—EMBLEMS OF ST. DYMPNA ON THE CONTINENT AND IN IRELAND—CONCLUSION.
Besides the collegiate church of St. Dympna, a chapel is dedicated to the patroness of Gheel, within the hospital or infirmary, and near the very place, whereitissupposedsheobtainedthecrownofmartyrdom. Anotherchapel was erected to her honour, in the middle of a plain. ' This stands on the spot, where the body of St. Dympna remained immovable, lest the people of Xanten might bear it away. Pious tradition has always preserved such recollections, amongst the devout inhabitants of Gheel. ^ In the circuit of country without this municipality, there are also other chapels dedicated to St. Dympna. 3 As will be seen in the notice of St. Gerebern and of Sonsbeck immediately succeeding, special honour was paid to that holy Virgin and Martyr, in the latter town, and in the old chapel dedicated to his memory.
The inhabitants of Gheel and of the country adjoining are distinguished by a simple, native honesty, and by an affectionate disposition, especially manifested, in their moral and charitable treatment of the afflicted persons
'44 Ecclesiastes, xii. , i.
'45 Wisdom, xi,, 23.
'4^ Canticle of Canticles, iii. , 6. '4'' See Isaias, xvi. , 4.
dolph van Craywinckel, cap. xiii.
3 The reader is referred to an interesting
article on " St. Dympna's City," published in successive Numbers of "The Lamp: an
Chapter v. —'
"Versus MoUum vici-
General num," is added by Henschenius. This Moll Literature," vol. iii. . New Series, No. 70,
is a small river passing near Gheel.
^ The foregoing accounts are taken from the Life of St. Dympna, by Herr John Lu-
pp. 273 to 276, and No. 71, pp. 301 to
303.
-• That very interesting work, by the
illustrated Catholic Journal of
—;
354
authoress, Mfs. Byrne, of "Flemish Interiors," and intituled " Gheel: the city of the Sim- pie," gives a veiy interesting account of the treatment of insane persons in that remark- able colony. It was published by Chapman and Hall, London, crown 8vo, 1869.
condition of various individuals, could only be understood, by a personal inspection, and by such an explanation, as the intelligent officials can best furnish. The writer was informed, that restraint is rarely resorted to, and is considered undesirable, except in rare instances. The number of inmates was not very considerable, in proportion to the in- sane persons living within Gheel district and, from information received, those pa- tients were for the most part affected with chronic diseases, or some peculiar mono- mania, which requited special care and trent- ment. On leaving tiiis establishment, the resident director presented the writer with a copy of a pamphlet entitled, " Reglenient d'ordreinterieurdel'etablissement d'alienes a Gheel," printed at Ghent in 1853, before the infirmary had been founded. This tract lays down the rules and regulations to be ob- served with regard to the insane ; and, these prescriptions are yet' followed, in agreat mca-
5 One of the most interesting visits the in-
quisitive stranger could make, on his arrival
at Gheel, must be to form an acquaintance
with the newly established government hos-
pital. The celebrated medical inspector,
Dr. Bulckens, happened to be absent, at the
time when this opportunity v as aftbrded the
writer ; but, the resident director, Mons.
Verelst, Secreiaire-recevcur de la Commis-
sion Superieure, afforded an amount of in-
teresting information, by illustrating the
advantages of this improved system, on va-
rious insane subjects, while passing through
the various departments of this splendid
establishment. The most interesting and
difficult cases for treatment are usually found
lodged within this hospital. Its opening sure, although doubtless, subject to certain took place on the 15th of March, 1862. The modifications, since the government hospital tact, patience and judgment required, in has been erected. M. Verelst also furnished order to effect improvement in the mental a copy of the larger tract, written by M. le
;
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May 15.
living among them. In this respect, they differ very much from persons belonging to other towns and districts, who are apt to have a prejudice or aversion for acting the part of assiduous guardians, towards those mentally affected. It would seem, that the excellent tendencies, good feeling, and intelligence, reigning amongst the Gheelois, may be considered as hereditary qualities, constantly transmitted from parents to children, and acquiring a still higher degree of perfection, in the latest generations. A pleasant but hardly truthful irony attributes to the people of Gheel originality of character, which is said to be derived from their contact with those unfortunate crea- tures, committed to their benevolent regards. So well known and appreciated throughout Belgium is the curative treatment here adopted, that when any- thing particularly absurd is said or done, the delinquent is jocosely pro- nounced to be a fit subject for Gheel. '* These observations, however, are accepted as furnishing rather creditable testimony, to the providential mis- sion and moral state of the amiable and benevolent habitans. Far from being enervated, through the morbid influences observed amongst a section of their community, the general population is found to be physically and constitu- tionally vigorous, intelligent, and religious, preserving a moral conscience and reason, in just balance, with a temperament naturally disposed for the delicate, considerate, cheerful, and patient offices of nurses and infirmarians, towards the poor alienes.
General interest and investigations awakened in regard to the affairs of this singular colony, which has been here established from time immemorial, induced the Belgium government to erect an infirmary, which receives a sub- vention from the public funds. A royal degree, dated the 19th of November, 1858, approved this project, which was hailed with satisfaction by all, who comprehended its importance.
A magnificent Hospital was soon afterwards commenced, and built on a suitable piece of ground, in the immediate environs of Ghee). This building is not only a most useful adjunct to the existing religious establishments of Gheel, but it is highly ornamental to the city, in an architectural point of view. 5 All the conveniencies, and even all the luxuries, that could be devised
May 15. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
355
for the alleviation or cure of mental diseases, have been provided in this fine edifice, which both exteriorly and interiorly exhibits a model of neatness, order, comfort, and elegance. Its plan and arrangement must have demanded an amount of care, experience, study, and specific knowledge, rarely combined, even under the most favourable auspices. A sort of tutelary and scientific intervention, justly estimated by the sane inhabitants and their less fortunate
proteges, has introduced necessary reforms and afforded accessible medical succour, in cases requiring special treatment and observation. A talented and benevolent staff of medical men, of inspectors, and of nurses, having been organized, scientific advice and practice served to add increased stability to the existence of this ancient colony, while preserving its original and indige- nous character.
A work has been published at Paris in i860, and which is entitled, " Gheel ou une Colonic d'alidn^s vivant en famille et en liberty, etude sur le meilleur mode d'assistance et de traitement dans les maladies mentales,'' par M. Jules Duval . ^ In different sections of this work, its author describes the adjoining country, city and church of Gheel; as also the condition of demented persons, within their hospital, and the population of this place. He enters into a dis- sertation, on the physical and social circumstances, that attend the local treat- ment of these insane persons. He records the results of this system, and also fully describes the curative, administrative and economical organization of the medical and municipal establishments. The present and past state of Gheel is described. In conclusion, the author remarks, that the colony of insane at Gheel teaches to every humane heart a lesson, truly eloquent in its simpli- city, of tender devotion towards those persons most claiming the exercise of charitable sympathy. It illustrates most perfectly, he remarks, the necessity for charity advancing and completing the researches ofscience. 7 Another book, bearing a title and embracing topics somewhat similar to those in the French work just alluded to, written by A. C. Van der Cruyssen, was pub- lished at Ghent, in 1862. ^ It gives a very interesting account of the city of St. Dympna, and of the afflicted residents within this commune.
Dr. Bulckens, medecin-inspecteur, having ber admitted during each of those years ; the for its title, " Rapport sur I'etablissement total number present and entered ; the num-
d'alienesde Gheel," and printed at Brussels,
in 1861. The latter report was prepared for
the Minister of Justice, in obedience to regu-
lations and instructions, which are observed
and required to be put in execution, at stated those healed. Fifthly, those who died,
intervals. It is filled with interesting and
correct returns from the registers, and from
notes, preserved within this institution, while
it gives in addition some valuable informa- nurses. Tenthly, accidents. Eleventhly,
lion, in reference to the infirmary, and to the peculiar classes, for whose benefit it has been founded, This treatise merits a careful study from the Christian philanthropist, and from the enlightened physician, whose avo- cations are specially directed to the treat- ment of mental disorders.
general remarks on insanity in Belgium. He treats on the Infirmary at Gheel, and on a distribution of rewards to the nurses. He also gives its rules : the first special rule of May ist, 1851 ; the second rule, referring to interior order, 31st December, 1852, with instructions regarding the proper method for
« Published by Guillaumin et €'«• Li- treating the insane. An inquiry is then m-
braires, 14, Rue de Richelieu, l2mo.
7 In an Appendix, a very numerous list of books and publications, that treat on the es- tablishment at Gheel, is given. He also
stituted, as to whether Gheel is an establish- ment or a colony for the insane. The writer concludes, by calling Gheel, what he ex- presses in the title of his book, deeming it a
presents Statistical documents on Gheel, colony, but only in the sense, that the which contain: First, the number of afflicted live «i /«/«///£, and in a state of per- patients there, on the ist of January, in the feet liberty,
years 1856, 1857, 1858, 1859, with the num-
^ By Eug. Vanderhaeghen.
ber discharged and remaining on the 31st December, during the foregoing period, Secondly, a detail of admissions. Thirdly, details of discharged persons. Fourthly,
Sixthly, classification of the afflicted. Seven- thly, details of their occupations. Eighthly, details of necessary coercion. Ninthly, the
356
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May 15.
When demented persons arrive at Gheel, they are usually conducted to a house, attached to the church of St. Dympna, where an ecclesiastic offers up prayers for them and affords religious consolation. Afterwards, these afflicted persons are quartered among the inhabitants, and they are especially placed with the farming classes around that city. Although the pension for their maintenance is usually very moderate, yet this class of lodgers is eagerly sought for, by cultivators of land, who take particular care of their proteges,, andwhostudythepeculiardevelopmentoftheirmentalaberrations. 9 Hence, it often happens, that by gentleness, by coaxing or by caressing, the most
ungovernable persons are rendered docile, in a short time, and these live perfectly contented with their protectors. Occasionally, a visitor to Gheel may observe groups of afflicted persons engaged in earnest conversation or innocent recreation in the streets, while shrill voices echo from the interior of the houses when passing ; but, it is not always easy for a casual observer, to distinguish by their demeanour, between the sane and the insane inha- bitants of St. Dympna's city. The latter class appears to enjoy unre- strained liberty, in going on messages, or while performing the ordinary avocations of labour. Hardly any farmer is without one or more of those insane persons, who live with him, and on the same footing, as other mem- bers of his family. They seldom give way to violence or to excess. They appear satisfied with their food, plain dress, and manner of living, they show no aversion to rural or handicraft labour, and seldom do they desire to leave those families, with whom they have lived for a number of years. The various towns, cities and districts, from which they have been sent, usually engage agents to look after their comforts, and report upon the treatment ex- perienced from their hosts. Many of the people, in and aLout Gheel, believe that a blessing falls on themselves and on their families, when they conscien- tiously discharge Christian duties towards the insane ; so that, few causes of
complaint arise, on the score of neglecting duty or through personal injury. So far does a healthy public opinion prevail, on this point, that a farmer, who should fail in his obligations towards one of those afflicted persons, would immediately be deprived of his right of guardianship. His character should also suffer to such a degree, in the estimation of all his neighbours, that no greater punishment could be inflicted upon him, than the general contempt
^°
and detestation, with which he should afterwards be regarded.
In order to encourage emulation among the keepers and nurses, having charge of the insane, suitable honorary and pecuniary recompenses have been distributed, since the year 1858. These diplomas or certificates of honour are received with lively satisfaction. They are usually framed with much taste, and hung up in a conspicuous position, within the houses of their recipients,
while such testimonials are catefully preserved by the inhabitants.
Among the good effects, resulting from this foundation of a government hospital, the providing of suitable and airy chambers for the sick, must not be overlooked. Various hygeian measures and contrivances are resorted to, which have greatly improved their food and drink, their mode of exercise and of sleeping; all of which tend to produce cleanliness, with health of mind and ofbody. Thosepatients,lodgingamongprivatefamilies,receivemedicaladvice and treatment, and generally without disturbing those family relations, found to be productive of such beneficial consequences. On the arrival of insane persons at the infirmary in Gh. eel, their natural character and dispositions, the tendency of their malady, the prolDabilities of cure, wi th the peculiar moral, hygeian and 9 See Rev. S. IJ. iring-Gould's " Lives of cine," New vSeries, No. v. , vi. , M. Trch and
the iSaints," vol.
